Impact absorbing undergarment

ABSTRACT

An impact adsorbing undergarment includes one or more breathable portions and one or more energy absorbing portions that are configured to be positioned proximate an area of the user to be protected.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Continuation-in-Part of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/042,943, filed 8 Mar. 2011, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to impact absorbing clothing and, more particularly, to impact absorbing clothing that is configured to be worn beneath an outer layer of clothing.

BACKGROUND

Whenever a person is convalescing from some medical procedure, there are often portions of their body that are tender to the touch. For example, if a person had abdominal surgery, in the event that they bumped their stomach into the edge of a kitchen counter, this would cause pain. Further, in the event that a woman is recovering from breast cancer surgery, inadvertent contact may result in considerable pain.

Accordingly, protective clothing may be worn that protects these sensitive areas of the body from inadvertent contact. Unfortunately, such systems may be overly bulky and configured to be worn on the outside of a person's clothing. Often, when the patient is convalescing from such a medical procedure, they often want to get their life back to normal as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, the use of such bulky and external protective clothing often draws unwanted and/or unneeded attention to the person who is convalescing. Further, such system typically do not include drain pouches that allow for inconspicuous concealment of drain assemblies that may be required during post-surgical convalescence.

SUMMARY OF DISCLOSURE

In a first implementation, an impact adsorbing undergarment includes one or more breathable portions and one or more energy absorbing portions that are configured to be positioned proximate an area of the user to be protected.

One or more of the following features may be included. The breathable portions may include one or more open portions. The breathable portions may include one or more mesh portions. The breathable portions may include one or more fabric portions. The energy absorbing portions may include one or more padded portions. The one or more padded portions may include a batting-type material. The one or more padded portions may include a foam-type material. The one or more padded portions may include one or more multi-layer padded portions.

One or more drain pouches may be configured to receive a drain assembly. A flap assembly may be configured to be positioned within another piece of clothing. A fastening system may be configured to fasten the undergarment about the wearer. The energy absorbing portion may be configured to be positioned in one or more locations chosen from the group consisting of: proximate the upper chest of the wearer; proximate the abdomen of the wearer; proximate the upper back of the wearer; and proximate the lower back of the wearer.

In another implementation, an impact adsorbing undergarment includes one or more breathable portions and one or more energy absorbing portions that are configured to be positioned proximate an area of the user to be protected. One or more drain pouches are configured to receive a drain assembly, wherein the energy absorbing portions include one or more padded portions.

One or more of the following features may be included. The one or more padded portions may include a batting-type material. The one or more padded portions may include a foam-type material. The one or more padded portions may include one or more multi-layer padded portions.

In another implementation, an impact adsorbing undergarment includes one or more breathable portions and one or more energy absorbing portions that are configured to be positioned proximate an area of the user to be protected. A flap assembly is configured to be positioned within another piece of clothing and a fastening system is configured to fasten the undergarment about the wearer.

One or more of the following features may be included. The breathable portions may include one or more open portions. The energy absorbing portions may include one or more padded portions. The one or more padded portions may include a material chosen from the group consisting of; a batting-type material and a foam-type material.

The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic front view of an impact adsorbing undergarment;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic rear view of an impact adsorbing undergarment;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic front view of an alternative embodiment of the impact adsorbing undergarment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic rear view of the alternative embodiment impact adsorbing undergarment of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic front view of an alternative embodiment of the impact adsorbing undergarment of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic detail view of a drain pouch included within the impact absorbing undergarment of FIG. 1.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1-2, there is shown one implementation of an impact adsorbing undergarment 10. As discussed above, impact absorbing undergarment 10 may be configured to be worn under the clothing of a user (e.g. user 12) who is recovering from some form of medical procedure. For example, user 12 may be a male or a female and impact absorbing undergarment 10 may be configured to be worn under a traditional, shirt, blouse, or dress when user 12 is e.g., recovering from breast cancer surgery, abdominal surgery, or back surgery. Accordingly, through the use of impact absorbing undergarment 10, user 12 may be able to receive the protection that they need (e.g. with respect to the area upon which the medical procedure was performed) while allowing the patient to avoid the unnecessary and undesirable attention brought about by using an impact absorption system that is worn outside of their clothing.

Impact absorbing undergarment 10 may include one or more breathable portions (e.g., breathable portion 14) and one or more energy absorbing portions (energy absorbing portion 16). The remainder of impact absorbing undergarment 10 may be constructed of a material that provides the desired level of strength and wearability (e.g., a cotton/polyester blend).

As discussed above, the energy absorbing portions (energy absorbing portion 16) may be configured to be positioned proximate an area of user 12 to be protected while convalescing. For example, energy absorbing portion 16 may be configured to be positioned e.g., proximate the upper chest area of user 12 (e.g., in the event that user 12 had heart surgery or breast cancer surgery); proximate the abdominal area of the user 12 (e.g. in the event that user 12 had abdominal surgery or an appendectomy); proximate the upper back of user 12 (e.g., in the event that user 12 had surgery on their shoulder blade or upper back); and proximate the lower back of user 12 (e.g. in the event that user 12 had surgery on their lower back).

Naturally, the general configuration of impact absorbing undergarment 10 may need to vary depending upon the particular area that was subject to the surgical procedure.

For example, in the event that the surgical procedure was performed on the upper chest area of user 12 (e.g., in the event that user 12 had heart surgery or breast cancer surgery), impact absorbing undergarment 10 may be configured as shown in FIGS. 1 & 2 (e.g., breathable portion 14 is positioned on the lower front of impact absorbing undergarment 10 and energy absorbing portion 16 is positioned on the upper front of impact absorbing undergarment 10).

In the event that the surgical procedure was performed on the abdominal area of user 12 (e.g. if user 12 had abdominal surgery or an appendectomy), impact absorbing undergarment 10 may need to be configured differently (see impact absorbing undergarment 10′ of FIGS. 3-4), wherein breathable portion 14 is positioned on the upper front of impact absorbing undergarment 10′ and energy absorbing portion 16 is positioned on the lower front of impact absorbing undergarment 10′).

If the surgical procedure was performed on the upper back area of user 12 (e.g., in the event that user 12 had surgery on their shoulder blade or upper back), impact absorbing undergarment 10 may be configured as shown in FIGS. 1 & 2 (e.g., breathable portion 14 positioned on the lower portion of impact absorbing undergarment 10 and energy absorbing portion 16 positioned on the upper portion of impact absorbing undergarment 10). However, impact absorbing undergarment 10 may be configured so that it is worn backwards on user 12 (e.g., clasping in the front), thus positioning breathable portion 14 proximate the lower back of user 12 and positioning energy absorbing portion 16 proximate the upper back of user 12.

In the event that the surgical procedure was performed on the lower back area of user 12 (e.g. if user 12 had surgery on their lower back), impact absorbing undergarment 10 may need to be configured differently (see impact absorbing undergarment 10′ of FIGS. 3-4), wherein breathable portion 14 is positioned on the upper portion of impact absorbing undergarment 10′ and energy absorbing portion 16 is positioned on the lower portion of impact absorbing undergarment 10′). However, impact absorbing undergarment 10′ may be configured so that it is worn backwards on user 12 (e.g., clasping in the front), thus positioning breathable portion 14 proximate the upper back of user 12 and positioning energy absorbing portion 16 proximate the lower back of user 12.

Concerning the breathable portions (e.g., breathable portion 14) of impact absorbing undergarment 10, 10′, such breathable portions may include one or more open portions, one or more mesh portions, and/or one or more breathable fabric portions. For example, impact absorbing undergarment 10, 10′ may include an open/mesh/breathable fabric back portion with an energy absorbing front portion.

Concerning the energy absorbing portions (e.g., energy absorbing portion 16) of impact absorbing undergarment 10, 10′, such energy absorbing portions may include: one or more padded portions (e.g., single layer padded portions or multi-layer padded portions) that may be constructed of e.g., a batting-type material, or a foam-type material).

Impact absorbing undergarment 10, 10′ may include a fastening system (e.g., strap assemblies 18, 20, 22) that allow for impact absorbing undergarment 10, 10′ to be cinched/strapped around the waist, upper chest, and/or neck of user 12, thus allowing impact absorbing undergarment 10, 10′ to be easily worn by the user. For example, through the use of hook & loop fasteners, hooks, latches, snaps, buckles and/or clasps (not shown) included on the ends of e.g., strap assemblies 18, 20, 22, impact absorbing undergarment 10, 10′ may be easily worn and removed by user 12.

Impact absorbing undergarment 10, 10′ may include flap assembly 24 that may be configured to be positioned within another piece of clothing worn by user 12. For example, flap assembly 24 may be configured so that user 12 may tuck flap assembly 24 into the front or back on their pants, thus allowing for a more contoured look.

While impact absorbing undergarment 10, 10′ is described above as including strap assemblies (e.g., strap assemblies 18, 20, 22), other configurations are possible and are considered to be within the scope of this disclosure. For example, impact absorbing undergarment 10, 10′ may be configured as e.g., an undershirt (see impact absorbing undergarment 10″ as shown in FIG. 5) that is constructed of a breathable fabric (e.g. such as a cotton material). Impact absorbing undergarment 10″ may include one or more appropriately-positioned energy absorbing portions (e.g., energy absorbing portion 16) that may provide the needed energy absorption. Further, as impact absorbing undergarment 10″ is constructed of a breathable fabric, the entire undergarment (with the exception of energy absorbing portion 16) may function as a breathable portion. Accordingly, in the event that user 12 had abdominal surgery, impact absorbing undergarment 10″ may be configured as an undershirt that includes energy absorbing portions (e.g., energy absorbing portion 16) positioned proximate the region of the abdomen that was subject to the surgical procedure. Therefore, the unprotected portions of impact absorbing undergarment 10″ (e.g. the lower back portion, the upper back portion, and the upper chest portion) may make up the breathable portions of impact absorbing undergarment 10″. Depending upon the desired level of thermal insulation, the breathable portions of impact absorbing undergarment 10″ may be constructed of a mesh material. Further, impact absorbing undergarment 10″ may be constructed of a stretchable material (such as spandex) that may provide the appropriate level of snugness to properly position e.g., energy absorbing portion 16.

While impact absorbing undergarment 10, 10′, 10″ is described above as being configured to be worn on the torso of patient, other configurations are possible are considered to be within the scope of this disclosure. For example, impact absorbing undergarment 10, 10′, 10″ may be configured for use on a patient's legs (and hidden beneath the patient's pants) or on a patient's arms (and hidden beneath a patient's shirtsleeve).

Referring also to FIG. 6, impact absorbing undergarment 10, 10′, 10″ may be configured to include one or more drain pouches (e.g., drain pouch 26) for receiving a drain assembly (e.g., drain assembly 28), which may be coupled to drain tube 30. As is known in the art, drain tube 30 may be temporarily inserted into an incision so that various bodily fluids may be drained off into drain assembly 28 during the recovery process.

A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims. 

1. An impact adsorbing undergarment comprising: one or more breathable portions; and one or more energy absorbing portions configured to be positioned proximate an area of the user to be protected.
 2. The impact adsorbing undergarment of claim 1 wherein the breathable portions include one or more open portions.
 3. The impact adsorbing undergarment of claim 1 wherein the breathable portions include one or more mesh portions.
 4. The impact adsorbing undergarment of claim 1 wherein the breathable portions include one or more fabric portions.
 5. The impact adsorbing undergarment of claim 1 wherein the energy absorbing portions include one or more padded portions.
 6. The impact adsorbing undergarment of claim 5 wherein the one or more padded portions include a batting-type material.
 7. The impact adsorbing undergarment of claim 5 wherein the one or more padded portions include a foam-type material.
 8. The impact adsorbing undergarment of claim 5 wherein the one or more padded portions include one or more multi-layer padded portions.
 9. The impact adsorbing undergarment of claim 1 further comprising one or more drain pouches configured to receive a drain assembly.
 10. The impact adsorbing undergarment of claim 1 further comprising a flap assembly configured to be positioned within another piece of clothing.
 11. The impact adsorbing undergarment of claim 1 further comprising a fastening system configured to fasten the undergarment about the wearer.
 12. The impact adsorbing undergarment of claim 1 wherein the energy absorbing portion is configured to be positioned in one or more locations chosen from the group consisting of: proximate the upper chest of the wearer; proximate the abdomen of the wearer; proximate the upper back of the wearer; and proximate the lower back of the wearer.
 13. An impact adsorbing undergarment comprising: one or more breathable portions; one or more energy absorbing portions configured to be positioned proximate an area of the user to be protected; and one or more drain pouches configured to receive a drain assembly; wherein the energy absorbing portions include one or more padded portions.
 14. The impact adsorbing undergarment of claim 13 wherein the one or more padded portions include a batting-type material.
 15. The impact adsorbing undergarment of claim 13 wherein the one or more padded portions include a foam-type material.
 16. The impact adsorbing undergarment of claim 13 wherein the one or more padded portions include one or more multi-layer padded portions.
 17. An impact adsorbing undergarment comprising: one or more breathable portions; one or more energy absorbing portions configured to be positioned proximate an area of the user to be protected; a flap assembly configured to be positioned within another piece of clothing; and a fastening system configured to fasten the undergarment about the wearer.
 18. The impact adsorbing undergarment of claim 17 wherein the breathable portions include one or more open portions.
 19. The impact adsorbing undergarment of claim 17 wherein the energy absorbing portions include one or more padded portions.
 20. The impact adsorbing undergarment of claim 17 wherein the one or more padded portions include material chosen from the group consisting of: a batting-type material and a foam-type material. 